Social and Emotional Wellness Resources
If you, or someone you know, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:
- Call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
- Find emotional health resources near you by clicking here
In these challenging times, it's important to be mindful of your own mental and emotional health and the mental and emotional wellness of your family. Take time each day to do things that bring you joy or help you relax: take a walk (while maintaining physical distancing guidelines), play a game with your family, cook a healthy meal together, or watch a favorite movie. Here are some tips to take care of yourself during this difficult time:
Children and Stress
It's important to understand that children may also be experiencing anxiety. Here are some resources for parents about how to talk with your kids about stay-at-home policies, school closures, social distancing and news they may be hearing about COVID-19.
For Younger Children
- Zero to Three created a list of resources and tips for families with young children.
- PBS has a list of videos from Sesame Street, Curious George and other shows that talk about hand washing and staying healthy.
- NPR created a comic to explain coronavirus to kids, along with concepts like hand washing, sneezing into your elbow and avoiding touching your face.
For Older Children and Teens
- The American Academy of Pediatrics released recommendations regarding supporting teens through COVID-19.
- The Anxiety and Depression Association of America wrote an article about how to talk to your anxious child or teenager about coronavirus.
- The New York Times wrote an article about five ways to help teens manage anxiety about coronavirus.
- UNICEF wrote an article directed at teens with strategies for how they can protect their mental health.
For Parents and Caregivers
Other Resources for Families
Support from Employers
Please contact your employer to obtain information about Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services available. These resources can help support your emotional well-being with helpful tips for coping with stress during an infectious disease outbreak as well as other resources to help with work-life balance and managing personal challenges or emotional needs.
If you do not have access to EAP services, or your child needs support, you may also access local and national behavioral health resources. Contact your health insurance provider to request a list of in-network behavioral health providers.
State and County Behavioral Health Resources
There are many state and county resources you can reach out to for support, whether you feel overwhelmed and are worried you or someone you know is a danger to themselves or others, are thinking about coping with stress and anxiety in unhealthy ways, or are worried about your safety at home during isolation. The State of California has prepared a comprehensive webpage full of resources for Californians seeking support during this difficult time.
You can also find county-by-county mental and behavioral health resources and hotlines below.
Fresno County Behavioral Health Services
800-654-3937 Fresno County Access Line (Adult, Children's, Crisis)
559-600-9276 Fresno County Warm Line
Kern County Behavioral Health Services
661-868-8080 Kern County Adult Services Access Line
661-868-7814 Kern County Children's Services Services Access Line
Kings County Behavioral Health Services
877-306-2413 Kings County Access Line
Madera County Behavioral Health Services
559-673-3508 Madera Access Line
Mariposa County Behavioral Health Services
1-800-549-6741 Mariposa Access Line
Merced County Behavioral Health Services
1-800-334-0163 Merced Access Line
San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services
1-888-468-9370 San Joaquin Access Line
San Luis Obispo County Behavioral Health Services
1-800-838-1381 SLO Access Line
Santa Barbara County Behavioral Health Services
1-888-868-1649 Santa Barbara County Access Line
Stanislaus County Behavioral Health Services
1-888-376-6246 Stanislaus County Access Line
Tulare County Behavioral Health Services
1-877-306-2413 Tulare County Access Line
Tuolomne County Behavioral Health Services
209-533-6245 Tuolomne County Access Line
Other Fresno Area Crisis Assistance Resources
- Marjaree Mason Center
- If you are a victim of domestic violence and need assistance, services remain available 24/7 by calling the hotline number (559-233-4357). Visit their website.
- MAP (Multi-Agency Access Program) at the Poverello House
- Extended hours and expanded phone availability to assess for service needs and referrals. Contact them by calling 559-512-6777 or visit their website.
- Granville-Teague Community Resource Center
- Centro La Familia continues to provide linkage to services (including Victim Services, Health & Wellness, and DACA/Immigration Services) while community center remains closed for events and gatherings. Contact them by calling 559-578-8991 or visit their website.